Strings @ UND

Hello every one, my name is Joel Alarcón and I am originally from Honduras. I am at my senior year at the University of North Dakota where I received a schoolarship through the String Quartet program with the suport of Dr. Gerald Gaul, with Dr. Alejandro Drago as my violin instructor and orchestra conductor. It has been a great time for me to be here and to have an oportunity to keep honing my violin skills with Dr. Drago. I am aiming to get my masters degree as a violin performer and to continue my development in music. I encourage you to check out the string program for future events. We will be there to play wonderful music. See you there!

Hello, my name is Cecilia Florencia Garcia Gaul.  Before I came to the United States from my hometown of La Plata, Argentina,  I was a violinist in the Argentine Theater Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra of Argentina.  I am in my second year of my Master’s program in violin performance with Dr. Alejandro Drago.  I’m excited to being playing in the quartet at UND this year, and I’m looking forward playing violin and viola in the concerts of the UND Chamber Orchestra.  When I’m not studying at UND I perform with my father, who is a Tango musician and with my husband, Gerald Gaul, whom I very recently married, and who is a violist.  I met Dr. Drago in music festivals in Brazil, and I attend many festivals and concerts around the United States and the world, including the World Orchestra as a member.

Hi, I'm Lihue, I´m a Viola Performance Major. I'm originally from Argentina and I've been playing  viola for almost 6 years but before I used to play the violin.  I received a scholarship through the String Quartet program with the support Dr. Thomas Peterson to play in the String Quartet and to study with Dr. Alejandro Drago, who offer me the opportunity to be here. This is my first year at the University of North Dakota and I hope to have a greate time and improve my Viola skills.  I hope to see you around!

Hello, my name is Austin Soderstrom and I am currently a freshman at the University of North Dakota. I started playing cello since I was nine... but I still have a long ways to go. I love long walks along the beach, and watching sports. I'm really hoping for Brett Favre to get the Vikes some rings this year but I'll be happy just to see a game :). I want to thank God, my family, and my friends because I'm happy with where I am and the direction I'm going.